Washington raised the legal age to purchase tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vapor products to 21 under RCW 70.155.010 (Tobacco 21). King County retailers must check ID for anyone appearing under 30, and Public Health Seattle and King County conducts compliance checks countywide.
RCW 70.155.010, amended by Tobacco 21 legislation effective January 1, 2020, prohibits the sale of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapor products, and accessories to anyone under 21. Retailers must verify ID for any customer who appears under age 30. PHSKC and the Liquor and Cannabis Board run undercover compliance checks; failed checks lead to escalating fines and license suspension. The law also bans sampling, vending machine sales except in age-restricted venues, and self-service displays for non-cigarette tobacco in convenience stores.
Retailers selling to minors face civil penalties starting at 1000 dollars per violation, license suspension after multiple offenses, and possible permanent revocation under WSLCB enforcement procedures.
See how King County's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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